SUVA — Pacific Island Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa said on Monday that climate change and resilience are the priority issues for the Pacific region.

While addressing the opening of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders meeting in Tonga, Waqa called for the leaders to integrate resilience as a matter of priority across all policy and implementation processes, especially in sectors of primarily health and education.

He also urged the forum leaders to take urgent action for sustainable outcomes in the future.

READ MORE: Pacific islands’ woes worsening amid climate change concerns

"We need to remain vigilant on issues of regional security, and we must ensure that these respond to national and regional needs," the secretary general added.

Noting that the summit allows forum leaders to strengthen regional solidarity and promote their respective interests, Waqa said, "We may be small island countries, but as the Blue Pacific Continent, we are a force to be reckoned with."

READ MORE: Pacific Islands face challenges as growth slows, says World Bank

The PIF Leaders meeting will continue until Friday, with leaders participating in crucial discussions, as well as regional and bilateral meetings.